iv Preface, 



is the centre, with radii extending 15 miles therefrom, to its 

 periphery. This will shew the varieties and composition of the 

 soils comprehended within its bounds, enable farmers to accom- 

 modate their operations to their respective localities ; and fur- 

 nish all other citizens requiring such knowledge, with the ne- 

 cessary information for any uses to which the component parts 

 of those soils can be applied. It was intended to publish the 

 report of this survey in our present volume, but it was con- 

 cluded to be most convenient, to make such publication in a 

 pamphlet, for more general circulation among those more 

 interested in its contents, than are those residing out of its 

 limits. The circulation of our volume within the limits of this 

 geological survey, cannot be expected to be so general, as to 

 furnish the inhabitants of Philadelphia, and the country adja- 

 cent, with the information they respectively require. And to 

 those beyond its bounds, the survey will be of small comparative 

 importance. We mention this effort to serve the interests of 

 farmers and other citizens, to shew our unremitting desire to 

 promote their prosperity. 



It has been customary to prefix to our volumes, the Ad- 

 dresses delivered before the Society, at their Annual Meet- 

 ings. Those Addresses have become numerous, and each so 

 highly respectable, that we could not select any in prefe- 

 rence ; and the publication of the whole, would increase our 

 volume to an extent beyond reasonable limits. In order, how- 

 ever, that the beginning and progress of our Society, and the 

 objects of its institution, may not be forgotten, amidst the 

 laudable display of modern and highly estimable societies, 

 we select a few passages from an address of our President, de- 

 livered in 18*23. The success attending our constancy and per- 

 severance, will animate those now in the career of Agricultural 

 usefulness, to persist, and bring to perfection the all important 

 art. We do not say it vaingloriously, but that the present 

 associations may, in future times, be respected, when their exer- 

 tions should be remembered by those who reap their benefits, 



" Remember thy father and thy mother ; that thy days may be 



long in the land which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee." 

 The moral of this sacred injunction, though addressed to indi- 

 viduals, is, nevertheless, applicable to and obligatory on bodies 

 of men, who have received advantages, or entitled themselves to 



